Marie Lena Lutes

Marie Lena Lutes was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on January 13, 1938. She was the first of four children born to Salvatore LaFaso and Jean Quartararo. She attended Lyndhurst High School graduating with the Class of 1955. Shortly after high school, she went into the workforce. Soon after met her first husband William "Bill"  Griffith and they were married on September 10, 1961. A move to California soon followed.  There they quickly became homeowners in Covina California and were blessed with the arrival of their baby daughter, Diana Marie, born on July 27, 1966.  Marie always said that the day Diana arrived was her favorite day.  Unfortunately Bill would pass away in 1971, leaving her a single mother.   In 1973, Marie met William Lutes, fell in love and on August 30, 1974, they married.  The marriage expanded Marie's beloved family with the addition of her step children, Kyle and Ralph. During this time Marie worked as a secretary at Bell and Howell until the family moved to Yorba Linda.  She started working for Kaiser Hospital soon after and would remain there until she semi retired about 15 years later. In 1995 she moved to the Colony in Murrieta and loved it there.   Never one to sit idle she continued to work on and off and spent many years volunteering.  She gave her time willingly to many places in the community including, The YMCA, Murrieta Police Department, Sharp Healthcare Thrift shop, Inland Valley Hospital, St Martha's Second Hand Treasures and Steinmart.  She was chairperson of Colony library and enjoyed organizing and putting the books away. She was part of the Colony Sunshine Committee and she got to meet and welcome any new neighbors on her street. In her free time, she loved to go bowling, attended creative writing classes and love to write poetry.  Marie loved to tell jokes to any one she could with the hope to bring a smile to their face and to brighten their day. It always brighten hers.  She was a wonderful piano player, she taught all of her grandkids how to play, it is one of the most fondest memories that they have of their Nanny and GG.  Marie loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always reminded everyone that “Every day is a gift!”

Marie is preceded in death by her loving parents Salvatore LaFaso and Jean Quartararo. She leaves behind her loving husband of who she shared 45 years, William Lutes; her daughter Diana, grandson Michael with wife Gina, two great-grandsons Carson and Landon.  Step Daughter Kyle with husband Charles Cheeks, grandchildren Samuel with wife Brittany and Katilyn;  step son Ralph Lutes; her three brothers Edward, Thomas and Daniel; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as many friends.

The family would like to thank everyone for all their love and support during this difficult time, it is appreciated and will never be forgotten.

In Lieu of flowers, please send any and all donations in honor of Marie Lutes to Donate Life, www.donatelifecaliforina.org  

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